As established in recent months on the serial, Nikki (played by Melody Thomas Scott) met Ward during her time at the New World Commune some 30 years ago, and wound up pregnant. The child she gave birth to back then, yet never saw, she recently discovered is war vet Dylan McAvoy (Steve Burton).

Wise — whose myriad TV credits also include Chuck, Reaper and Mad Men — begins shooting this Friday the 13th, with an eye on a Jan. 23 debut. His character, I am told, will play an integral role in the lives of several Genoa City residents.

Fun fact: Wise and Y&R vet Eric Braeden both have played the role of Robin Scherbatsky Sr. on CBS’ How I Met Your Mother.